The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1887-06-23
AFTER TWENTY YEARS.
a Story Of a Few April Fools "

1t was a wild April night. Stormy
March, after holding high carnival
through the whole OF his tempestuous
sareer. had surrendered his sceptret
with one desparing howl, and April
lad entered upon the scene. bathed
n tears, without a smile Of greeting
ior the dear old earth she had lefl
year ago
The streets of the village were near
deserted. and Rodney Marston sat
done in the office of Marston & Mars
ION. Presently the office boy came in
With note. 1t was directed to T.
Marston, Esq.
"Does that mean me, or Uncle Rog-
.r?" said the young man to himself.
II will open it anyway; it is probably
On business"
The note was not very businesslike in
IS appearance; neither was the thick,
creamy note-paper, on which these
words were written:
Miss Barton wishes to see Mr..
Marston immediately. on business of
Importance.
Rodney looked at the note thought
iully. The senior member of the firm
mad gone to the city that morning, and
would return by the late train. 1t was
necessary that somebody should at
end to this affair, and Rodney, with
Ill the ardor Of young barrister.
resolved to answer the summons. The
firm of Marston 4 Marston was a
southful one 1t was only few weeks
before that the well-known sign, ''Rog-
r Marston, Attorney-at-Law." had
been replaced by smart new one.
Indicating the recent partnership of
ncle and nephew.
Ned said he, ''where does Miss
Barton livep"
"A little out Of the village in two
story white house. on the road that
goes By the Baptist church." replied
the boy.
'.Oh yes. know" said young Mars
ION hastily. well. I'm obliged to go
up there, and if any body comes-they'll
not like to on such night as this-tell
them to wait"
IAN right, SIR" said the boy.
ITS rough night" muttered the
Young man. as. after DOMINIC rubber
boots and overcoat, and arming himself
with huge umbrella, he stepped out
nto the wind and rain; "but profession
ii men must brave all kinds of wealth
-r.' The consciousness that he be-
longed to that ill-used fraternity gave
him an exalted sense of misery unat-
.ainable by common mortals.
Half an hour after, dripping. for
lorn-looking figure presents itself at
the two-story house and rang the bell
vigorously. No answer. another peal
followed. Presently the door was
opened cautiously few inches. and
one eye, belonging to half human
face. peeped timidly out.
rs Miss Barton in?" inquired Rod
ney.
..Ye-yes, sir, replied quaking voice
''but she can't see anybody tonight.
II think she will see me. however,
said Marston, gaining confidence as he
scented possible mystery. "Please
inform her that Mr.. Marston, the attor-
ner. awaits her pleasure.
What does this mean. Martha. :"
said fresh, pleasant voice from with
in. LET the gentleman in. whoever
he Is.
Martha obeyed, and covered back
in the shadow of the hall as if she ex-
pected nothing short of instant assassi-
nation. Marston gave little heed to
her, however, for standing in the full
light of the hall lamp was dainty,
girlish figure, with the sweetest,
merriest face he had ever seen.
You must excuse our girl; she's q
perfect coward. Pray come in sir. I"
said the young lady.
Thank you; as soon as have made
myself presentable,'' he replied,
removing his dripping outer gar
ments. Then he was ushered into a
cosy sitting-room. where bright open
fire seemed to offer laughing chal.
lenge to the April storm.
my name is Marston," he began,
towing Pardon me, but 1 do not ad.
dress Miss Barton" half question
ingly.
Il am Miss Barton" replied the
girl, with an assumption of dignity.
Now Rodney hastily formed the idea,
wading through the mud to her house,
that Miss Barton was an elderly SPINS.
ter. This bright vision. with the
laughing brown eyes, somewhat con
founded him.
II am Miss Barton" she said again
after moment. "But the one you
probably wish to see is my aunt. Mis-!
Cornelia Barton. I am sorry she j!
not at homer
"Not at homer he repeated little
stupidity. II received an urgent sum
mons to come up and see her."
What kind of summons?"
This note was handed to me, not al
hour ago." he explained, giving i
to her. I think it was intended for my
uncle, but he is absent, and I tool
the liberty" He stopped. for the
brown eyes were dancing with mirth.
"Mr Marston," said she. ibid yor
happen to look at the calender before
YOU startedp"
He struck his forehead with spirit
of recollection. April 1st! how stupie
in me to forget it, when they have been
playing their stale jokes all day. on thu
street and in my office.
The touch of vanity, displayed In tht
way he said my Office was delight
full
II beg a thousand pardons for dis
turbing you," he added, still standing